Twelfth seed Tommy Paul of the United States beat 2022 champion Holger Rune of Denmark 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday to stay in the race for the Nitto ATP Finals. He will face Spaniard Daniel Merida in the second round.

Paul started the day 13th in the Race to Turin, with 2,735 points. He needs at least the final in Paris to stay in contention, and only the title would make sure of his place.

Rune, ranked No. 195, was back in Paris on a protected ranking.

Merida beat lucky loser Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-2 on Monday on his Paris Masters debut.

Paul could meet seventh seed Frances Tiafoe, also in the race for Turin, in the third round. Tiafoe faces Quentin Halys in the second round.